where to find help for yard and patio
This summer, whether you have a sprawling back yard or a private balcony, the options are unlimited.
One of the first signs of summer is the aroma of the barbecue. Some types are not eco-friendly, such as hydrocarbon-producing coal and wood-burners, and fossil fuel-consuming gas grills. But there are ways to minimize the environmental impact and still enjoy this warm-weather favourite.
The first thing you can do is choose an electric grill or, as a second choice, gas. The newer the grill, the more efficient it will be. If your existing grill needs a tune-up, remember that a new igniter or new burners can restore a gas barbecue that has seen better days. And if you just can't do without the good old traditional method, eco-friendly charcoal is now available. You'll find it at Home Depot.
When dining outside, nobody wants to use grandma's fine china, so choose either eco-friendly disposable dishes that will biodegrade in the landfill, or brightly patterned reusable dishes designed with barbecues and picnics in mind. These products can be found at Linens 'n Things, The Bay, Bowring and HomeSense.
You can shine an eco-friendly light on outdoor festivities just as you would indoors, by replacing your incandescent light bulbs with CFL's. And, with many outdoor lights left burning 24/7, this simple conversion produces significant energy savings and environmental benefits.
Even more efficient than CFL's are LED lights (light emitting diodes). A relatively new product and not as widely available, LEDs are the top "green" choice.
Exterior light sensors are not only a great security feature, but an energy-saver as well. There's no point in lighting up the yard when everyone's in bed.
And finally, solar lights are perfect for pathway lighting and for highlighting a garden at night. They're available in many sizes and styles, and can really dress up a yard.
